It hides the fact that our folks are just like everyone else in the community — hard working, dedicated and wanting to help out when duty calls. It also diminishes the personal toll we can take when performing our jobs.

It truly is the minutia of everyday details that can wreck us personally. These feelings can take us off guard and surprise us with their intensity. Most of us manage the effects, through counsel of close friends and family, or through CISM.

That we feel sorrow might surprise members of our community. And I'm okay with that.

We are, after all, human. And when someone loses a life in a tragic event through no fault of their own, it would almost seem bizarre to not feel sadness.

It reminds us to be more empathetic, more caring about the patients we help, and the survivors left behind. In the process, we might feel better about ourselves, too.

About the author

EMS1 Editorial Advisor Art Hsieh, MA, NREMT-P currently teaches at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. Since 1982, Art has worked as a line medic and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a textbook author, has presented at conferences nationwide, and continues to provide patient care at an EMS service in Northern California. Contact Art at Art.Hsieh@ems1.com.

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